Titanium is strong, lightweight, and notoriously hard to machine — not because it’s especially hard, but because it holds heat at the cutting edge (it conducts heat poorly) and work-hardens if you let the tool rub. The strategy is to keep cutting and keep things cool.
The core rules
- Low surface speed — titanium needs much lower SFM than steel to keep edge temperature down; too fast and the tool burns.
- Steady, healthy feed — don’t let the tool dwell or rub, which work-hardens the surface and dulls the edge.
- Flood coolant — generous coolant carries heat away; high-pressure coolant is even better.
- Maximum rigidity — short tools, tight fixturing, no flex; titanium is unforgiving of vibration.
- Sharp, tough carbide — replace edges before they wear, since a dull tool accelerates heat and hardening.
Frequently asked questions
Why is titanium hard to machine? It traps heat at the edge and work-hardens, punishing dull tools and rubbing.
Fast or slow? Low surface speed, but a solid feed — keep cutting, don’t dwell.
Is coolant necessary? Yes — flood (or high-pressure) coolant is strongly recommended.
Plan for shorter tool life and slower material removal than steel, and budget for it — pushing titanium to “catch up” on time is exactly what destroys tools. Climb milling and the most rigid setup you can manage pay off more here than in almost any other material.